Hands and Harts Blog

It's been a while since I wrote here. Life has been full of selling our Michigan house, looking for an Alaska house, working at my part time job, being sick, and just general life stuff.

I'm back now being creative. I have a challenge quilt due for the guild here in early April, so I decided to started working on it.

The theme for this small quilt is trees. I was inspired by an early morning scene that was breathtaking. I love the landscape here and all the inspiration that comes from the beauty.

This quilt is still in progress and I haven't decided on a name yet, but that will come in time. I painted the scene on a piece of cotton with textile paints after sketching the basic outline.

Sketch on cotton fabric.

Color samples

Painted sky

Painted trees

After I got the background painted, I added blue tulle to the quilt and stitched around the trees. It adds a bit of shimmer and depth to the sky. I also added the moon that's a combination of white fabric and iridescent cellophane.

Now I'm in the process of adding beads to the sky for stars. I also have plans for the trees. Since the theme of the quilt is trees, I want the trees to stand out. I'll post again when I have more done.

Janelle Marks

I have a loving husband who thinks I'm a bit crazy to be so obsessed with art. I am a mother of five children from ages 21 to 5. I spend most of my time mothering and keeping house. In my free time I like to play with textiles, art journaling and painting. I have a degree in textile and apparel studies with a design focus. Right now I am more interested in fiber arts than apparel design, but I don't know where my journey will take me.

I love to read and am not often without a book. I love fantasy and science fiction novels. I also love reading a lot of mainstream fiction and historical accounts. Art books and magazines are another favorite of mine.I also dabble in gardening. I want to get out and garden more when my little ones are a bit older and less of a challenge. I enjoy being outside, at least when the weather is nice. I love animals. I also live with two cats.